• Thanks for visiting The Penturners Forum today.

    There are many features and resources that currently you are unable to see or access, either because you're not yet registered, or if you're already registered, because you're not logged in.

    To gain full access to the forum, please log in or register now. Registration is completely free, it only takes a few seconds, and you can join our well established community of like-minded pen makers.

Disabled turning

Wgbeattie

Apprentice Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Posts
5
Location
Fife
First Name
Gordon
Hi All,

I was reading the thread about disabled turning.

After finally managing to sort lathe out, I realised that the bench was too high.

I do need to sit you want to build new bench / stand so I can sit. The normal advice I believe is for spindle centre at height of elbow.

Would this still apply for when sitting. When sitting my elbow approx a metre heigh, and Axminster 305 height to centre is 350, also I thought about 70cm, seems really small , likes school desk..

Anyone please what they find best

Appreciate any advice.

Gordon
 

silver

General dogsbody
Executive Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2013
Posts
6,301
Location
Somewhere in Staffordshire,
First Name
Eamonn.
Hi Gordon,
Not sure I can help but I have been researching some stuff myself as I can't stand too long due to spinal issues.

I am using a high (bar type) stool currently. Makes me feel like I'm at the bar anyway..:winking:

Have a look at this. Wheelchair Woodworking #1: Woodturning with a Disability - by Jamie Speirs @ LumberJocks.com ~ woodworking community

There is an Isaac Curran, think he was on linked in at one point. Maybe worth messaging him for advice as he does quite a bit of woodturnings from his wheel chair.

There was a wheelchair wood turners club in Scotland if I remember rightly, someone on here may remember it and post you to the right directions..

Also a link here for you to have a look at.

http://aawcontentsource.org/aaw_cs1_pdf/WF0404p18-22.pdf

The elbow theory still works according to the last link.

would also be interested to see what this topic brings up.

Good luck.
 

Wgbeattie

Apprentice Member
Joined
Nov 4, 2019
Posts
5
Location
Fife
First Name
Gordon
Thanks I will check links.

Am not in chair but have neuro issue which affects leg and lower spine issue.

So like you bought a bar stool.

Thanks for advice

Gordon
 

Penpal

Grand Master
Joined
May 26, 2013
Posts
25,340
Location
Canberra AUSTRALIA
First Name
Peter
I commend you use a height adjustable swivel chair and find your own level. Height does matter, in my case I am still over 6 feet tall and need room for legs and arms.I also press my pens with a bearing press that is mounted eye height next to the lathe ,a spin around to the huge mill drill.I do apply organisation and method. With a direct overhead fan to atmosphere for the very fine dust works for me. All my pens are made seated.

Peter.
 

Curly

Graduate Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2019
Posts
420
Location
RM of Aberdeen, Saskatchewan, Canada
First Name
Peter
Hi All,

I was reading the thread about disabled turning.

After finally managing to sort lathe out, I realised that the bench was too high.

I do need to sit you want to build new bench / stand so I can sit. The normal advice I believe is for spindle centre at height of elbow.

Would this still apply for when sitting. When sitting my elbow approx a metre heigh, and Axminster 305 height to centre is 350, also I thought about 70cm, seems really small , likes school desk..

Anyone please what they find best

Appreciate any advice.

Gordon

The "standing rule" doesn't apply to a seated turner if the lathe is tilted towards you. Vicmarc make a sit down lathe that is basically their bench lathe on a height and tilt adjustable stand. With it set when you are sitting comfortably and your elbow at your side your forearm follows a line to the spindle. Instead of pointing at the lathe spindle perpendicular to the floor when standing your arm will have a more acute angle when sitting. The amount depending on what is comfortable for you.

The Vicmarc is not cheap being that it is a premium line of products but the way they have the lathe positioned is something you could rig from a sturdy bench. Even a normal height one. You could get in the ballpark by sitting in the chair you want to use and point or hold a tool where you think it should be when holding in both hands and use that angle and height as a starting point. Then you can make a hinged top, perhaps a piece of a solid door and some heavy duty door hinges, fastened to a bench or wall to mount your lathe to. A couple heavy adjustable legs at each end would support it, allowing you to roll under it with your legs. I know I have seen plans for free standing wood versions before too.

Pete
 
Warning! This thread has not had any replies for over a year. You are welcome to post a reply here, but it might be better to start a new thread (and maybe include a link to this one if you need to).
Top